Tuesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time
Liturgical Colour: Green | Year A(II)
First Reading
1 Kings 21:17-29
The punishment of Ahab and Jezebel foretold
After the death of Naboth, the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite:
"Up! Go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, in Samaria. You will find him in Naboth's vineyard; he has gone down to take possession of it.
You are to say this to him, 'The Lord says this: You have committed murder; now you usurp as well.
For this – and the Lord says this – in the place where the dogs licked the blood of Naboth, the dogs will lick your blood too.'"
Ahab said to Elijah:
"So you have found me out, O my enemy!"
Elijah answered:
"I have found you out. For your double dealing, and since you have done what is displeasing to the Lord, I will now bring disaster down on you."
Elijah foretold the judgement that would come upon the house of Ahab and upon Jezebel because of their sins.
And indeed there never was anyone like Ahab for double dealing and for doing what is displeasing to the Lord, urged on by Jezebel his wife.
He behaved in the most abominable way, adhering to idols and leading Israel into sin.
When Ahab heard these words, he tore his garments and put sackcloth next his skin and fasted.
He slept in sackcloth and walked with slow steps.
Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah:
"Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself before me?
Since he has humbled himself before me, I will not bring the disaster in his days."
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 50(51):3-6,11,16
Response:
Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness.
In your compassion blot out my offence.
O wash me more and more from my guilt
and cleanse me from my sin.
Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
My offences truly I know them;
my sin is always before me.
Against you, you alone, have I sinned;
what is evil in your sight I have done.
Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
From my sins turn away your face
and blot out all my guilt.
O rescue me, God, my helper,
and my tongue shall ring out your goodness.
Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia!
I give you a new commandment:
love one another as I have loved you.
Alleluia!
Gospel
Matthew 5:43-48
Pray for those who persecute you
Jesus said to his disciples:
"You have learnt how it was said: You must love your neighbour and hate your enemy.
But I say this to you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you;
in this way you will be sons of your Father in heaven.
For he causes his sun to rise on bad men as well as good, and his rain to fall on honest and dishonest men alike.
For if you love those who love you, what right have you to claim any credit?
Even the tax collectors do as much, do they not?
And if you save your greetings for your brothers, are you doing anything exceptional?
Even the pagans do as much, do they not?
You must therefore be perfect just as your heavenly Father is perfect."
Reflection
Today's readings reveal one of the most difficult truths of the Christian life: God's mercy is offered to us so that we may become merciful toward others.
The story of Ahab reaches a turning point. After orchestrating the death of Naboth and seizing his vineyard, Ahab finally hears the truth from the prophet Elijah. The king who once seemed untouchable is confronted by the justice of God.
What follows is remarkable.
Ahab does not argue.
He does not blame others.
He does not deny his guilt.
Instead, he humbles himself.
The man who had abused power now tears his garments, fasts, and mourns his sins.
God sees this change of heart.
Although judgement remains, mercy is shown.
This passage reminds us that no sinner is beyond God's reach. Genuine repentance opens the door to divine mercy.
Psalm 51 continues this theme. The psalmist does not minimise sin. He acknowledges it honestly.
"My offences truly I know them."
Repentance begins when we stop making excuses and place ourselves honestly before God.
The Gospel then takes us beyond receiving mercy to giving it.
Jesus commands:
"Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
This may be one of the most challenging teachings in all of Scripture.
Most people can forgive friends.
Many can show kindness to neighbours.
But Christ calls us to love even those who hurt us.
Why?
Because this is how the Father loves.
The sun rises on both the righteous and the unrighteous.
Rain falls on both the grateful and the ungrateful.
God's love is not limited to those who deserve it.
Neither should ours be.
The Catechism teaches that love of enemies is a distinctive mark of Christian charity (CCC 1825). Such love is impossible by human effort alone. It becomes possible only through grace.
The connection between the readings is profound.
Ahab receives mercy after repentance.
The disciple is then called to extend mercy to others.
The Christian life is a continual movement:
Mercy received.
Mercy lived.
Mercy given.
Whenever we pray for someone who has hurt us, forgive a past offence, or choose charity over resentment, we reflect the very heart of God.
One Line to Carry Today
Mercy received from God becomes mercy offered to others.
Catechism References
CCC 1430-1433 – Interior repentance and conversion of heart.
CCC 1847 – God reveals His mercy to sinners.
CCC 1825 – Christian charity includes love of enemies.
CCC 2842-2845 – Forgiveness as an essential part of Christian life.
CCC 2305 – Peace flows from charity and justice.
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